Breaking Away: Molding Local Kids Lives for a Brighter Future

About BGC

When the last school bell rings for the day, many children in Dane County do not have a safe and positive environment to play or learn in. Instead of turning to the streets, more than 800 kids have chosen to enrich their lives with the Boys & Girls Club.

The mission of the Boys & Girls Club is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens, through structured programs in a safe environment.

Programs at the Boys & Girls Club strive to provide young people the tools they need to succeed in life. Five core areas are targeted: Character & Leadership, Education & Career development, Health & Life Skills, Sports & Recreation, Arts & Cultural Enrichment. Each day, more than 150 kids participate in programs such as:

After-school tutoring
Computer lab for educational programs and Internet access
Monthly newsletter that members publish
Career training and summer job placement
Arts classes
Health and life skills classes
Sports and recreation
Community service, anti-drug, gang prevention and youth leadership groups

While the programs are open to all Dane County youth, the majority of members are from South Madison, belong to households with less than $15,000 annual income, and live in single-parent households. More than 80% go on to college or technical school if they remain a member until age 18.

To address needs and provide positive youth alternatives for Madison's most economically challenged neighborhood, the Club has opened a second club on Allied Drive. With this new addition, the Club aims to serve at least 1,000 youth annually.

All proceeds from Bike For Boys & Girls Club will help support programs for children in Dane County via the Boys & Girls Club.